The Cuban regime has taken a significant step in its commercial restructuring efforts with the introduction of Mercado de Abasto.cu, a new wholesale market model. This initiative allows for the sale of a wide range of goods, from food and supplies to raw materials, using both Cuban pesos (CUP) and foreign currency. This venture will engage state enterprises, small and medium-sized private enterprises (SMEs), producers, importers, and even foreign investment opportunities.
This development became official on Tuesday through Resolution 13/2026 from the Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN), as outlined in the Extraordinary Official Gazette No. 84. This document establishes the guidelines for the operational framework of this fresh commercial system.
Operational Structure and Participants
According to the resolution, Mercado de Abasto.cu is envisioned as an alternative to revamp the wholesale trade sector, offering direct access to both individuals and legal entities. The resolution describes these markets as venues where sellers and buyers convene to conduct various transactions following the principle of supply and demand, focusing on bulk sales in various formats.
The entities allowed to participate include state-owned companies, non-state management forms, local and national producers, importers, marketers, and foreign investment modalities.
How Will These Markets Operate?
The regulations stipulate that these markets must be set up in urban or suburban areas with adequate access routes, parking facilities, and designated spaces for cargo transportation. They may operate out of warehouses, large stores, or open spaces that meet necessary conditions.
Management can be undertaken by one or multiple entities responsible for organizing the market's operations through contracts with participants and providing logistical services.
Key Operational Guidelines
Among the primary operational rules are:
- Prioritizing the sale of supplies, raw materials, food, and other high-demand products.
- Exclusively wholesale sales, although vendors can set minimum lot sizes for individual buyers.
- Encouraging membership systems with discounts for frequent customers.
- Operating in both Cuban pesos and foreign currency.
- Issuing invoices for all transactions.
- Ensuring electronic payment options.
- Incorporating e-commerce, including payments from abroad.
- Applying environmental and recycling policies for recoverable supplies and materials.
Background and Future Prospects
The launch of Mercado de Abasto.cu is not unexpected. Back in June, the Cuban government unveiled a comprehensive package of 176 economic measures, which included the reorganization of the wholesale trade and the establishment of new supply markets.
At that time, authorities also introduced other reforms, such as relaxing regulations for SMEs, removing worker limits in private businesses, allowing for the creation of multiple companies, and opening up to foreign franchises. These were part of a strategy aimed at revitalizing the economy.
The new resolution formalizes one of these promises, though key aspects such as the timeline for market openings, provincial distribution, and the actual capacity to ensure a stable product supply in a country plagued by chronic shortages remain unknown.
The provision took effect on August 4 with its publication in the Official Gazette, while provincial and municipal commerce offices will oversee its enforcement.
FAQs on Cuba's Wholesale Market Initiative
What is Mercado de Abasto.cu?
Mercado de Abasto.cu is a new wholesale market model introduced by the Cuban regime to revamp the wholesale trade sector, allowing sales of various goods in Cuban pesos and foreign currency.
Who can participate in these markets?
Participants include state-owned enterprises, SMEs, local and national producers, importers, marketers, and foreign investors.
How will the markets operate?
The markets will operate in urban or suburban areas with necessary facilities, managed by one or more entities organizing operations and providing logistics.
What are the main features of the market operations?
Key features include wholesale sales, operation in multiple currencies, membership systems, electronic payments, and a focus on environmental policies.